Abstract:

Middle school is a time of life that most adults would characterize as their worst years ever. From awkward haircuts to awkward social interactions, most people who have survived those sixth, seventh, and eighth grade years would say that middle school was a miserable, lonely period of their lives. Yet, I have chosen to dedicate my life to teaching middle school students. Through teaching Theatre at a local middle school for three and a half years while attending Ball State, I have learned that middle school is a time of passion, creativity, discovery, and growth for students. Contrary to popular belief, middle school can actually be some of the best years of a student's life. That's where Theatre comes in, with its proven ability to open discussions and provide a safe, caring environment for students. In this project, I explore the merits of Theatre as an element of life for a middle school student, and I also present my developed materials for a production of Alice in Wonderland Jr. that was performed on November 14, 15, and 16, 2015.